While AFC rivals San Diego and New England remain embroiled in contract disputes with star players who were restricted free agents (see: Mankins, Logan; Jackson, Vicent; and McNeil, Marcus), the Broncos have resolved all of their issues long before the first real game of 2010.

The Broncos started the league year in March by assigning one-year tenders of various amounts to their five restricted free agents: Kyle Orton, Elvis Dumervil, Chris Kuper, Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler. All are now either under contract for the foreseeable future or on another team’s payroll.

Orton, who signed his extension Thursday, is under contract through 2011, while Dumervil and Kuper will be Broncos through 2015. The team decided to move on without Marshall and Scheffler and traded them away in April.

Give the Broncos’ front office credit for figuring out a way to keep Orton, Dumervil and Kuper in the face of a potential lockout in 2011. Give Orton, Dumervil and Kuper credit for agreeing to take much of their guaranteed salary post-lockout (should that happen in 2011).

“It was a really interesting situation throughout the whole negotiations and certainly in the labor environment that we’re in,” Orton said. “[Agent David Dunn] certainly thought the Broncos were very creative – Brian Xanders and coach, the whole organization – they were very creative in getting a deal done that we both like and we believe is fair for both parties.”

Here’s a look at how the team dealt with each of their five restricted free agents:

Quarterback Kyle Orton: On Thursday signed a one-year extension, putting him under contract through 2011. Orton will make $2.621 million in 2010 and $8.8 million in 2011. Orton’s deal includes $5.5 million guaranteed.

Outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil: Signed a five-year extension in July that keeps the 2009 NFL sack leader under contract through 2015. The sum of his deal is worth $61.5 million, including $43.168 million that is guaranteed against injury. Dumervil is out indefinitely after tearing his pectoral muscle in the first week of training camp.

Right guard Chris Kuper: In June, Kuper signed a five-year extension worth $25.5 million to bring his total contract to $28.012 million, including $13.25 million guaranteed. It is the second largest contract ever for a Broncos offensive lineman.

Wide receiver Brandon Marshall: The Pro Bowl receiver – who had irreconcilable differences with the team — signed his one-year tender in April to facilitate a trade to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for two second-round picks. His new team signed Marshall to a four-year, $47.5 million extension that includes $24 million in guarantees.

Tight end Tony Scheffler: The only player remaining from the restricted free agent bunch who has not received a new deal from the Broncos or another team. Like Marshall, Scheffler was disgruntled in Denver and signed his one-year tender as means to be traded. The Broncos sent Scheffler to the Detroit Lions.